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Research roundup: 'Welcome-mat' effect of Medicaid expansion; Setting up shops; California's transition to Medicaid managed care

The number of people eligible for Medicaid who remain uninsured varies from state to state, according to the authors. But the federal health law is likely to increase the rate of enrollment for this group. The potential impact of this increase in Medicaid enrollment, also known as the 'welcome-mat' effect, is unclear.

2 Jul 2013

New UCLA-led study examines content of doctor-patient conversations about dietary supplements

Vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements are widely available in supermarkets and drug stores across the nation without a prescription, so it's no surprise that nearly half of all Americans take them.

2 Jul 2013

RIDEA joint-venture with Bickford acquires $135M for 17 assisted living, memory care communities

National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE:NHI) announced today that its RIDEA joint-venture with Bickford Senior Living ("Bickford") has acquired 17 assisted living and memory care communities for a total purchase price of $135 million. NHI owns 85% of the joint-venture and Bickford owns 15%. The

1 Jul 2013

State highlights: Maine to permit Rx drugs from Canada; Ore. to levy hospital, nursing home assessment tax

For the first time in several years, a state has acted to allow its citizens to purchase prescription drugs by mail from other countries. The idea is to take advantage of those nations' lower prices, which can be half the cost of those at American pharmacies (Rovner, 6/27).

29 Jun 2013

Panel studying long-term care issues holds first meeting

The commission, established by Congress in January, faces some hurdles in getting a report done by September.

29 Jun 2013

Former CMS head: Tie doc payment reforms to patient outcomes

A former Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator told the Senate Finance Committee Wednesday that Medicare should focus on fewer quality measures in their assessments, letting patient outcomes dictate what constitutes quality care instead.

28 Jun 2013

Democrats to Sebelius: Confusion over health law persists

Politico reports that congressional Democrats shared concerns with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that seniors, among others, remain fearful about the health law's impact on their benefits. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Times explores a loophole that could allow insurers to avoid some of the law's provisions for another year and The Associated Press reports the individual mandate exemption has been broadened for Native Americans.

28 Jun 2013

Nurse practitioners can play crucial role in treating chronic geriatric conditions, shows study

U.S. residents today are living longer than previous generations, thanks to improved public health and medical treatment. But they're also living longer with chronic geriatric health conditions like dementia, urinary incontinence, depression and debilitating falls, which often require complex medical care.

27 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 27, 2013

Today's headlines include reports explaining how yesterday's Supreme Court decision on DOMA impacts federal health benefits and the health law's coverage expansion.

27 Jun 2013

State highlights: Ore. targets waste with uniform credentialing; Managed care lessons from Calif.

The Oregon House passed a bill with unanimous support Monday that supporters say could save the economy $150 million in administrative waste by crafting a single credentialing process that all insurers, hospitals and coordinated care organizations can share for thousands of health care providers. If Gov. Kitzhaber signs Senate Bill 604 into law, Oregon will also be the first state to have a uniform, electronic credentialing database where each provider can be quickly accessed.

27 Jun 2013

Lawsuits, or threat of them, hover over Medicare policy

News outlets report on the government's position on releasing doctor-specific information and on Medicare patients' access to physical therapy. And, ProPublica investigates prescribing practices.

26 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 25, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about the Obama administraiton's plans for getting the word about the health law's online marketplaces.

25 Jun 2013

Young people need to wise up and turn the volume down on their earbuds, says audiologist

In today's disposable society, hearing is an endangered species. "Once hearing is damaged, it cannot be repaired," said Jyoti Bhayani, a certified audiologist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, part of Loyola University Health System. "And hearing aids have yet to become coveted status accessories so young people need to wise up and turn the volume down on their earbuds."

21 Jun 2013

Viewpoints: Urgency has slipped away for 'grand bargain'; The need to scrutinize drug competition; Restore funding to 'Meals on Wheels'

It may seem paradoxical that Congress was willing to tackle a grand bargain when the deficit problem looked big and insoluble - but quickly lost interest as soon as the problem became more manageable. … But the reason isn't really mysterious. A grand bargain would have required both sides to swallow unpalatable compromises. It would have required Democrats to agree to cuts in future spending on Medicare and Social Security. Likewise, it would have required Republicans to accept increases in tax revenue (Doyle McManus, 6/19).

20 Jun 2013

Report: Improper prescription drug use drives up cost of care

Doctors and hospitals could save the U.S. $213 billion annually if they used prescription drugs more wisely, according to IMS health.

20 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 19, 2013

Today's headlines include reports the development of the health law's online marketplaces is falling behind schedule.

19 Jun 2013

State highlights: Texas pharmacists want Medicaid price transparency

Pennsylvania is joining about 20 other states in limiting coverage of abortions under health care insurance policies offered in a federally-run insurance marketplace starting next year under a sweeping federal law. The office of Gov. Tom Corbett, a Republican who opposes abortion rights, said he signed the bill Monday, without offering any comment (6/17).

19 Jun 2013

First Edition: June 18, 2013

Today's headlines include reports about a new publicity push in support of the health law.

18 Jun 2013

New CREHST program aims to expose students to clinical aspect of cancer research

Building off the success of its Continuing Umbrella for Research Education Program that encourages underrepresented minority undergraduate and high school students to pursue careers in healthcare, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey is offering a related program focusing on clinical research.

18 Jun 2013

Immigrants' health care costs are hot topic on Capitol Hill

Other media reports detail Sen. Ron Wyden's proposal to allow accountable care organizations to focus on the sickest, most costly patients; questions from Rep. Darrell Issa, R.-Calif., about the navigator program's funding; and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's, D-Calif., angry response to a reporter's question about late-term abortions.

15 Jun 2013

Seniors News and Research

Research roundup: 'Welcome-mat' effect of Medicaid expansion; Setting up shops; California's transition to Medicaid managed care

New UCLA-led study examines content of doctor-patient conversations about dietary supplements

RIDEA joint-venture with Bickford acquires $135M for 17 assisted living, memory care communities

State highlights: Maine to permit Rx drugs from Canada; Ore. to levy hospital, nursing home assessment tax

Panel studying long-term care issues holds first meeting

Former CMS head: Tie doc payment reforms to patient outcomes

Democrats to Sebelius: Confusion over health law persists

Nurse practitioners can play crucial role in treating chronic geriatric conditions, shows study

First Edition: June 27, 2013

State highlights: Ore. targets waste with uniform credentialing; Managed care lessons from Calif.

Lawsuits, or threat of them, hover over Medicare policy

First Edition: June 25, 2013

Young people need to wise up and turn the volume down on their earbuds, says audiologist

Viewpoints: Urgency has slipped away for 'grand bargain'; The need to scrutinize drug competition; Restore funding to 'Meals on Wheels'

Report: Improper prescription drug use drives up cost of care

First Edition: June 19, 2013

State highlights: Texas pharmacists want Medicaid price transparency

First Edition: June 18, 2013

New CREHST program aims to expose students to clinical aspect of cancer research

Immigrants' health care costs are hot topic on Capitol Hill

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